September 11, 2010
September 11th, 2003entry,
While I'm sure many of you are expecting a news update from me that serves as some sort of a tribute to those fallen on this date two years ago, I'm equally sure there are lots of you who'd prefer to pass this day differently. This is a case where I can't please everyone, so I'll choose instead to please no-one. That'll be fair.
A buddy of mine started a new tradition for himself. This day is a day for work, like any other -- not a holiday. But he cannot forget what happened, much less forget the fact that we are all mortal, and our mortal relationships are fleeting, regardless of how much we may treasure them. We're all just a curb-hop away from room temperature, after all. So on this day he makes a point of letting his friends know that he's thankful to have them as friends.
I haven't come up with a tradition for me, yet. Thoughtful introspection seems to be the rule thus far. I probably would have done more charity-auction artwork if I'd been at home this week, but I didn't.
My plans for today originally included pedestriating my way down the main drag in Barcelona and shopping. Unfortunately, the residents here have other plans. Apparently September 11th in Barcelona is like July 4th in Philadelphia. I don't know the exact holiday yet, but the shops are closed, so I won't be shopping. This means that I'll be spending my last day in Barcelona, September 11th, moping around the hotel and being bitter.
As traditions go, that's one I'd like to avoid next year. Moping is boring, and bitter is just lame.
The good news is that I fly home tomorrow. Home is good.